Proton Ion Sequencer- Not Cool

The Proton Ion Sequencer is a machine that uses new semi conductor technology to turn genetic sequencing from a process that was expensive and took weeks into one that is cheap and takes less than day to do. It can sequence the genome of any organism and has already been extensively used. It sounds great but is it really?

The first problem is that there are hidden costs associated with it. It does cost $1000 for the initial sequencing but should something worrisome show up you then have to pay for a specialist or genetic counseling, of which the latter may cost around $150 per hour. Other cost may include treatment for whatever is found.

Another problem is privacy. One's genetic code is a large amount of personal data that has been made easier to access. s of now, there aren't any real problems. But seeing as it is so personal and virtually unchangeable, genetic codes may become an identification system in the future and thus this opens up a way for identity theft. It also allows for someone to infer your medical history and future if they have the right additional information. For anyone other than a doctor, this may not be a good thing.

The next point is one that has followed society through each major science and social achievement, discrimination. The first think you think is old fashion racism and that is an issue. With this technology becoming cheaper, more people will be able to use it. Some will use minor variations to perpetuate ideals of superiority. Imagine if this technology appeared amidst the Holocaust, what Nazi propaganda would hit the streets about genetic and racial superiority?
Another discrimination is a more professional types and could come from two places. The first is the insurance company. When this technology began rolling out many states had to pass laws specifying how insurance companies can use it. Those laws vary state to state and some still offer loop holes. The Proton Ion sequencer may require for more unified standards and practices from insurance companies regarding coverage and predisposition to diseases. The second place you'll find it is at work. Some jobs require certain skills, as we all know. Skills you can gain, earn and control. If you are denied a job then you likely need to gain the skills or experience and very well can. However, what if you got turned away for a job for something you cannot control, something your born with? A easily accessed genetic code will allow for employers to turn you away if you have a predisposition for something that may hinder your work or cause them to need to pay more if they hired you. One's genes do no always mean one is destined for something, the environment plays a big part too. The genetics just say what can or is likely to happen, not what will. So you'd basically be turned down on a "what if?" scenario.

The last point is plain ignorance to the technology. Many people don't understand it yet and have to have it explained to them (hence the genetic counseling). Some doctors aren't qualified to explain it themselves, leaving room for misinterpretations. If a woman finds out she does not genetically have a predisposition to get breast cancer then she may fore go mammograms when in actuality her chances of getting  breast cancer only dropped by about 10-15%. Before this becomes widely available, professionals and the public in general should be educated to interpret the results correctly or else the Proton Ion Sequencer may do more harm than good.